HUNDREDS of women yesterday braved the morning freezing weather in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, to declare war on breast cancer.

Non-governmental organisation Pinkdrive led the campaign initiated by the provincial department of health on the streets of Madadeni Township. The crowd was joined by health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo and local mayor Afzul Remand.

The 'drastic campaign' includes a truck - it will visit rural areas so that women can test for free - equipped with a mammogram machine.

The marchers hit the township streets in the morning to encourage women to be screened for breast cancer. After the health march, women were tested at the local hospital.

Nomvula Kunene from Utrecht felt lucky to be tested in the truck soon after the campaign. She now knows that unusual lumps mean a quick check.

Pinkdrive executive Noleen Kotschan said they took the initiative to save lives.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. - Mhlaba Memela